Your vehicle’s air conditioning system does more than keep you comfortable. It also improves air quality and helps defog your windows. Yet, many drivers forget about servicing it until it stops working. In places like Northridge, where summers can get hot quickly, that delay can leave you stuck with warm air and rising repair bills.
Knowing how often to service your car’s A/C system helps you maintain consistent performance and avoid breakdowns when you need it most.
Why Routine A/C Service Is So Important
Your A/C system is made up of various components: the compressor, condenser, evaporator, hoses, refrigerant, and more. Over time, seals dry out, refrigerant slowly escapes, and components wear down. If you wait until the system fails completely, you could face a much more expensive repair than if it had been caught early.
Routine service helps catch small issues before they grow into bigger ones, and it keeps your A/C system efficient and reliable throughout the year.
General Service Guidelines
For most vehicles, it’s a good idea to have your A/C system inspected about once a year. This doesn’t mean it will always need repair or replacement, but an annual check can reveal leaks, pressure issues, or dirty filters that impact performance.
If you live in a warmer climate or frequently use your A/C, servicing it every 12 months is a smart habit. It’s also wise to include an A/C check as part of your spring or pre-summer maintenance routine.
Signs Your A/C Needs Immediate Attention
While regular inspections are helpful, there are certain signs that mean your car’s A/C system should be looked at sooner rather than later:
- Air feels warm or only cools intermittently
- Strange noises when the A/C turns on
- Weak airflow from the vents
- Unpleasant odors when the system is running
- Foggy windows that don’t clear easily
If you notice any of these symptoms, your system might have a refrigerant leak, a faulty compressor, or a clogged filter that’s reducing efficiency.
What’s Included in an A/C Service
A standard A/C service typically includes:
- Visual inspection of hoses, lines, and components
- Checking system pressures with specialized gauges
- Testing the compressor clutch and fan operation
- Verifying refrigerant levels and checking for leaks
- Replacing the cabin air filter if needed
Some shops also use UV dye or electronic leak detectors to find small refrigerant leaks that aren’t easily spotted during a basic inspection.
Can You Go Too Long Without A/C Service
Yes. Even if your A/C seems to be working fine, refrigerant can leak out gradually over time. When levels drop too low, your compressor has to work harder, which increases wear and reduces overall efficiency. Low refrigerant can also cause internal components to overheat or corrode, leading to much more expensive repairs.
Staying on top of regular service reduces this risk and helps your A/C last longer, especially in high-demand conditions.
Book Your Next A/C Inspection at RM Automotive in Northridge, CA
Don’t wait until your car’s A/C stops working in the middle of a hot day. Our technicians will inspect your system, identify any issues, and make sure it’s ready for the warmest months ahead. Whether you need a simple recharge or a deeper repair, we’ve got you covered.
Call RM Automotive in Northridge, CA, to schedule your A/C service and drive comfortably all year round.